Build a strong foundation

I am in Class 12 (PCMB). Initially, my goal was to take the NEET, but now I want to start my own venture. What are the courses I should pursue? Should Business be a second option? Sachin

Dear Sachin,

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) will provide a solid foundation for understanding business dynamics and developing essential management skills. B.Com. will help build strong financial literacy. B.Sc. Economics will provide a strong understanding of market trends, economic indicators, and consumer behaviour. An Integrated BBA-MBA programme will provide a comprehensive business education and accelerate your path. You could also consider Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) in Product Design or Interaction Design if your venture involves developing innovative products or services, as its focus is design thinking, user experience, and product development. Online courses and certifications will help you gain practical skills like digital marketing, e-commerce, or entrepreneurship.

Pursue a degree that provides both business knowledge and marketable skills. Build a strong foundation and gain experience and insights into business operations, management, and industry trends. Use your undergraduate years to develop essential business skill, such as communication, problem-solving, and financial literacy. Participate in internships, workshops, and extracurricular activities to gain practical experience. Entrepreneurship involves inherent risks. Having a solid foundation and backup plan can mitigate these risks. Develop your business ideas and skills while in college. Participate in business plan competitions and entrepreneurship programmes. Develop a financial plan and explore funding options, conduct market research to identify viable business opportunities. Finally, seek guidance from experienced entrepreneurs or mentors.

I am in Class 12 (PCMB). In Class 11, I went through stress and anxiety and became discouraged with Science. I thought of pursuing the Humanities but the low probability of jobs was a deterrent. A career counsellor advised me to pursue Computer Science as my logical and analytical skills were high, but there isn’t enough time for me to prepare for the JEE. So, I decided to pursue Engineering in a state-run college. Will this put me at a disadvantage? Arun

Dear Arun,

Your success in Computer Science Engineering will depend more on your efforts, skills, and determination than on the reputation of your college. Focus on developing your skills, building a strong portfolio, and networking while prioritising your mental health and well-being. Many state-run colleges have excellent professors and solid curriculum and many successful engineers as alumni. It is not a disadvantage. Focus on developing strong technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and a solid understanding of computer science fundamentals. Build connections with professors, industry professionals, and fellow students. Seek internships, part-time jobs, or freelance opportunities to gain real-world experience and build credentials.

Maximise your opportunities and focus on Skill Development. Learn programming languages (Python, Java, C++), data structures, algorithms, and software development principles. Explore emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud computing. Build a portfolio to showcase your skills and creativity. If you aspire to work in specialised areas, consider pursuing a Master’s degree after your B.Tech.

I am a Chemical Engineering graduate interested in preserving natural habitats and water bodies. But I do not like being in an urban set-up. What can I do? Azad

Dear Azad,

Leverage your education and environmental interests. Some options outside the urban settings are in environmental remediation and restoration (projects to clean up contaminated sites, restore damaged ecosystems, and revitalise water bodies) often in remote rural areas, or water resource management, environmental monitoring and assessment, sustainable agriculture and aquaculture, remote sensing and geographic information systems, forestry and wildlife management, and environmental engineering. Depending on your interests, develop specialised skills via certifications and training. Seek internships or volunteer opportunities with environmental organisations or government agencies that work in rural areas to gain hands-on experience and build your network. Attend environmental conferences, workshops, and networking events. Organisations like the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) or state pollution control boards have positions that involve fieldwork in rural areas. Many NGOs work directly in the field, with conservation and restoration projects. Emphasise how your engineering background can be applied to environmental challenges.

I completed B.Tech. Biotechnology in 2022, and am working in a government department that does not have opportunities for growth. Should I opt for an M.Sc. in the same field or attempt government exams? Anshuman

Dear Anshuman,

What are your passions and strengths? What type of a work environment would you prefer? While an M.Sc. will deepen your knowledge and specialisation in biotechnology and open doors to research, academia, and specialised industry roles, it needs significant time and financial investment with no guarantee of an immediate job placement. If you are passionate about research or academia, an M.Sc. is a good choice. Choose a programme with strong research facilities, industry connections and specialisations like bioinformatics, industrial biotechnology, or environmental biotechnology, which have good growth potential.

If you are interested in public service and are willing to dedicate time to exam preparation, then taking the government exams is a viable option as it offers a career path with good benefits but growth can be limited. Explore industry roles and opportunities in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or research companies. Data Science/Bioinformatics, Entrepreneurship or further skill enhancement will enhance your employability and open up new career paths.